Arsenal went into Friday’s match against Brentford with reasons to be optimistic yet Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2-0 in their Premier League opener.
The arrivals of Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares were meant to represent the start of a new, better era, but that didn’t happen.
Here is a look at four players who need dropping after the dire defeat if the Gunners are to turn things around, according to Express Sport.
Bernd Leno
Leno wasn’t the worst player on the pitch against Brentford. But being beaten at his near post, and failing to command his area properly, helped consign his side to defeat.
Arsenal need a new No 1 and fast.
Calum Chambers
Deployed at right-back, the former Fulham loanee toiled before being taken off by Arteta with the game slipping away.
Hector Bellerin should be playing. If not, sell him. Leaving him on the bench, and picking Chambers, is just something that’ll hurt everyone involved if it stays the same.
Pablo Mari
The Brazilian struggled with the intensity of the match and certainly lost his individual battle with Ivan Toney.
It would be a surprise to see Mari start against Chelsea next Sunday after this.
Gabriel Martinelli
Arteta must drop him for the upcoming match against Chelsea if he’s able to have the luxury of picking other attackers.
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The 20-year-old has struggled with injuries and recently came back from the Tokyo Olympics, meaning he needs some more time to rest.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
